Gospel Roots (CD - 2005)

Personnel: Aaron Neville (vocals); Anamaria Brandon, Stacy Chamblin, Greta Hardey, Jennifer Kuylen, Margann Turnipseed, Michelle Zeller (vocals); James Harrah, Greg Liesz (guitar); Burt Callahan, Judith Armistead, Burton Callahan, John Chung Law, Oskar Ozolinch (violin); Lauren Lemmier, Richard Woehrie (viola); Jonathan Gerhardt (cello); David Woodford (saxophone, trumpet); Jim Horn (saxophone); Sam Levine , Charles Neville (tenor saxophone); Steve Patrick (trumpet, flugelhorn); Lee Thornberg, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band (horns); Jim Cox (Wurlitzer piano, organ, Hammond b-3 organ, Wurlitzer organ, keyboards); Freddie "Ready Freddie" Washington , Michael Rhodes (bass guitar); James Gadsen, James Gadson, Steve Ferrone, Brian McCloud (drums); Bridgette Fiddmont, Jacquelyn Gouche Farris, Alex Brown, Phil Perry, Mortonette Jenkins, Bridget Fiddmont, Bridgette Bryant (background vocals); Dean Parks (guitar, electric guitar); Blue Miller (acoustic guitar); Shane Theriot (electric guitar); Sid Page (violin); John Jarvis (piano, keyboards); Greg Phillinganes, Michael Goods (keyboards); Eddie Bayers (drums); Mark Beckett (percussion); Darryl Phinnessee, Jim Gilstrap, Maxi Anderson, Alvin Chea, Monalisa Young (background vocals).

Liner Note Author: Aaron Neville.

Ensembles: The Dirty Dozen Brass Band; Sandtown Children's Choir.

Arrangers: Aaron Neville; Edwin Hawkins; Wardell Quezergue.

A husky man with the voice of a fluttering bird, Aaron Neville is one of America's most acclaimed male pop singers. Not surprisingly, he is also a tremendously gifted and dedicated gospel singer, and GOSPEL ROOTS presents Neville performing many well-known devotional songs, in addition to pop tunes that lend themselves well to spiritual interpretations.

A two-disc set, this uplifting outing celebrates life and God more than it proselytizes. In fact, GOSPEL ROOTS is a gentle, relaxing record that avoids over-the-top piousness. From the opening track, "Oh Happy Day," to the Bob Dylan classic "I Shall Be Released" to the archetypal "Amazing Grace," Neville hypnotizes listeners with his delicate vocals, employing a gorgeous falsetto on all 25 tracks. Whether interpreting the classical "Ave Maria" or the Beatles ballad "Let It Be," Neville invokes the true beauty and splendor of each selection. A serene, mellow release, GOSPEL ROOTS crosses stylistic boundaries with its varied set list, but it always remains true to the gospel tradition. minimize